Virus Alert: Cacing - Virus Komputer yang Paling Berbahaya

Virus, Trojans dan cacing adalah ke-3 macam biasa malware i.e. perangkat halus jahat, dan dari mereka cacing adalah yang paling maut sewaktu mereka bisa berfungsi tanpa intervensi manusiawi yang mana pun. Mirip virus, cacing juga mempunyai kemampuan untuk meniru sendiri tetapi ialah self berisi i.e. mereka tidak memerlukan program tuan rumah pembiakan tidak seperti virus. Cacing lebih umum mempengaruhi jaringan-jaringan komputer yang terdiri atas server, routers dan klien, sungguhpun mereka bisa menyebabkan kerusakan mirip virus seperti penghilangan berkas, korupsi program dll. Karena internet adalah sejaringan besar jaringan-jaringan komputer saja, itu ialah sangat rentan dengan serangan cacing.

Servers are powerful PCs with large storage capacity and store common resources that are shared by other PCs or clients in the network. Routers are used for routing network traffic and are nothing but specialized servers with customized operating system. Once released into a network, worms can replicate by themselves and hog the CPU time leaving little time for other programs to run. This leaves the network continuously busy and slows down network traffic.

Worms carry other types of malware called payloads with them. It can be spyware which surreptitiously monitors the activities of the computer or backdoor installation programs which act as hidden access points in the network and can be used to send spam or steal data or programs from the computer by hackers. MyDoom is a fast spreading worm discovered in January 2004. It was spread through emails containing the message 'Andy, I'm just doing my job, nothing personal, sorry'. The creator of the worm was never identified but it is believed to be directed at the website of the company Santa Cruz Operation (SCO), in order slow down traffic to the website. It soon spread to other internet sites slowing down the entire internet considerably.

The worm's payload can cause considerable damage to a computer in a network by switching off antivirus functions, opening up computer ports etc. The latter can allow data transfer to computers outside the network or delete files stealthily.

De-worming

Firewalls are designed to control network traffic and can act as shield to computers in the network by effectively cloaking them. They are reasonably effective in saving computer from worm attacks. However, worms can be distributed through emails as attachments and hence caution should be exercised when opening mail from unknown sources or unexpected files from a known source. Despite all precautions, worms may get into your system whose symptoms are slowing down of internet access, automatic reboots or sluggishness of the system. If any of these symptoms are noticed, the computer should be scanned by antivirus software immediately. If it does not help, instruction manuals on the internet could consulted for effective de worming.